In this sixth episode, I’ll share a massive 8th-note triplet linear drum fill. The idea is similar to the drum fill of the second episode of this series; both are interchangeable and can be combined. As indicated in the notation below, the linear approach occurs between the floor tom, snare, bass drum, and rack tom. The key to mastering this fill is to start slow and interiorize the sticking, which uses doubles and diddles instead of alternate sticking. As a further study, try to play the left foot hi-hat in quarter notes or on 2 and 4.
In the following video, I demonstrate the drum fill at two different tempos in a jazz context. You can easily apply the same drum fill to other styles.
Here are two variations: simply removing the last two beats or only the last one to play the drum fill in a different time signature or looping the idea in 4/4 over the bars. That’s an impressive drum fill, make it yours. Elevate your drumming!
Francis' Drumming Blog 